"Sands of the Sahara" paints a breathtaking and dramatic picture of the desolation, intrigue, culture, and storied history of the north Africa landscape. At the start, special percussion effects mimic the sounds of the wind, while a mysterious, faraway flute melody calls to mind an oasis in the desert. Abruptly, a bold theme is introduced by the full band, and leads to the driving rhythms and exotic themes that further propel and sustain the rest of the piece. Concluding, the introduction is briefly restated, and the piece ends in a stunning tour-de-force of color and intensity.